Our goal is to enhance relationships with alumni, donors, government and other community partners by establishing opportunities that inspire individuals and organizations to contribute to experiential learning, critical research and sustainable institutional growth.
To listen, invite engagement and seek opportunities to provide service to our communities in all that we do.
Strategic Direction
Saint Mary’s University has a strong tradition of engagement with our alumni, donors, government and community partners who provide powerful financial and volunteer support.
To catalyse support for our priorities, Saint Mary’s is undertaking the most ambitious fundraising campaign in our history: World Without Limits: The Campaign for Saint Mary’s University, a $100-million initiative to galvanize our greatest strengths and propel Saint Mary’s towards becoming one of the most innovative and exciting universities in Canada.
Our vision includes significant new investments in sustainable infrastructure, new research initiatives and programming, new intellectual and entrepreneurial leadership and unprecedented levels of student support—all built on a firm and resilient foundation of academic excellence and our rich history and traditions.
Objectives
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Cultivate a culture of philanthropy at Saint Mary’s University that engages all members of our community to play an active role in supporting, sharing and celebrating university success |
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Maintain strong relationships, deliver unique experiences and seek out collaborations with our loyal and engaged alumni, volunteers and donors and across our local and regional community |
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Ensure that Advancement & External Affairs is structured and resourced to support campaign success and datainformed operations, and aligned with the strategic priorities of the university that support our academic mission |
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Inspire transformational philanthropic support and alumni participation in World Without Limits: The Campaign for Saint Mary’s University |
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In addition to our community-engaged research commitments, expand the breadth and strength of our community partnerships, fostered by authentic listening and consultation |
The support of our community through volunteerism, philanthropy and collaborative partnerships makes achieving ambitious goals possible. Support from government and community partners enhances our visibility and also provides access to additional resources and opportunities for collaboration. By working together, we are able to draw on one another’s strengths, address common issues and generate beneficial effects that reach beyond the confines of our institution.
I always look at my experience in the African Student Society as one that truly showed me the depth of the relationships we as students have with the university and the community surrounding us. For instance, the support provided by Keisha Turner, an esteemed alumna, through initiatives like the bursary for African Canadian and Indigenous women, underscores the community’s readiness to support us. This connection to our community, alumni, donors and supporters is pivotal. It ensures that students like me have access to vital resources and opportunities. It’s not about seeking approval but recognizing the symbiotic relationship between us and those who support our academic endeavors.